Definitive Technology Speakers | Home Theater Review

Surround Sound Installation Tips

Having bought your own surround sound system (or still looking for one but interested in knowing if it’ll fit nicely into your own home), you’re probably excited about getting it up and running and testing the sound quality! This article will talk about the various surround sound installation tips, do and don’t to ensure you get the best sound quality possible!

Firstly, let’s talk about what you need to get ready before hand in order to have your surround sound installation easy and quick.

Know your surround sound source – Many people would have overlooked this step due to the excitement when purchasing their surround sound system. Know the difference between “optical” and “coaxial” output. An optical as the name suggest, uses an fiber-optic cable whereas coaxial uses the shielded RCA cable. Both will work equally fine, so you’ll really only need one.

Where to locate them? Usually at the back of your DVD player, simply connect it into the input channel of your surround sound system.  In order for your surround sound installation to go as painless as possible, make sure you already have in mind the type of cables and output/input you’re planning to use. If your budget permits it, always opt for the better quality ones.

The reason most surround sound are also known as 5.1 is because it have 5 channels of sound output, coupled with 1 low-frequency sub-woofer.  You might wonder where you should really put all 5 speakers, bear in mind that surround sound installation is easy, difficult part is to actually optimize it to get the best possible sound.

Surround sound installation tip 2 is this, identify your “area”. By that I mean at least have a rough idea where all your speakers are going to be, depending on the type of home theater system that you bought, you might have different layout to this. There will be some sort of differences in terms of placement between on-shelf speakers, on-wall speakers and such.

One of the more popular set up, involving a 40-inch TV is to have both stand alone speakers/tower speakers placed at the rear end or behind the seating area. For a 40-inch TV, you’ll probably need to sit somewhere between 5-8 feet from the TV to get the best results.

Your sub-woofer placement can be anywhere you like because it emits a low frequency bass sound, therefore anywhere (preferably on wood surface) will give you the same effect. Your front speakers will be place at the side of your TV, make sure your placement is in a triangle like shape, with the point end stopping at the maximum distance from your TV. That way the area for the sweet spot will be at the widest, and everybody within it can enjoy high quality sound.

Surround sound installation tip 3 is this, once you’ve identify your area, make a triangle like shape with the 2 front speakers, while the point ends at the maximum distance of seating area before TV quality degenerates. Place the two stand alone/rear speakers at the back, either facing your back or to the side, thus surrounding yourself with speakers.

One reason why surround sound are so popular because it emulates the setting and quality you’ll be able to get in the cinema, therefore each placement have to be perfect in order to get the highest quality sound possible.

If you’re unable to accommodate everything into your living area, try moving the speakers around until you’re satisfied with what you’re hearing. It takes a little work and testing to get it, but it should be well worth it once you’ve gotten and hit the sweet spot.

Above all, enjoy your home theater system!

Most people would be nervous especially when it comes to buying their first ever own home theater system.

Given the choice and options available in the market place, it is no wonder that.

So, if you’re a first time buyer and interested in getting one of these in the comfort of your own home, what sort of attention should you pay so that you would not regret in the future?

To begin with, you need to find out what sort of home theater you are really looking for, was it for your room, or your hall? Take into account the layout of the hall and how much space will be available to you. Also, I know some who would like to have their home system to be totally out of view from anyone. Definitive Technology custom made speakers would be your answer, although you have to consult with their retail front for a possible installation.

If you have a large hall, consider getting the most complete home theater system, this include those rear speakers which will give you the complete and utmost audio experience that you are looking for. As for those with limited space or do not want their hall to be cluttered with speakers, consider the single speaker surround sound as it gives you the impression of a complete surround sound, but only needing a multi channel output.

You might also want to take a look around models that are within your budget, find out what others who have bought are saying about the product. Make sure you take note especially about the product quality, the product support as well as customer satisfaction.

Ease of use is also one thing to consider when making a purchase, but given that most of the products offered in the marketplace these days are so easy to use, you do not have to worry too much but make sure you ask the sales representative to give you a clear installation instruction to save yourself from frustration.

Lastly, you will also want to consider the product design and color, make sure it match your home furniture and wood panels and do not stick out like a sore thumb!